Chabeb Batroun, Lebanon’s reigning men’s volleyball champions, are preparing to represent the country at the 4th West Asia Men’s Clubs Volleyball Championship, hosted by the Kuwait Volleyball Federation from February 4 to 14, 2026, with the participation of some of the region’s top clubs.

The first game will be against Kuwait SC in the tournament’s opening match, scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, at 5:00 p.m. Beirut time.

The tournament brings together 11 clubs from six Asian countries including Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, alongside Chabeb Batroun as Lebanon’s sole representative.

The club’s delegation to Kuwait is headed by Emile Jabbour, while the technical staff is led by head coach William Al-Asmar, assisted by Imad Sassin and Matteo Khachan, with Simon Khoury serving as statistical analyst and international referee Danny Habib accompanying the team.

In an interview with The Beiruter, Assaf Mhanna, Secretary General of the Lebanese Volleyball Federation and Vice President of Chabeb Batroun, said the club’s qualification reflects both sporting merit and a broader revival of Lebanese volleyball.

“The 12 Lebanese players qualified as Lebanese champions. Traditionally, the league winner represents Lebanon in the West Asia Championship,” Mhanna explained. “This is the first time in seven or eight years that a Lebanese league champion is taking part in an external club competition.”

He added that “this is not just a regional tournament. Qualification here can open the door to the Asian Volleyball Cup,” underlining its strategic importance.

While two Lebanese clubs are technically eligible to qualify, Mhanna noted that Chabeb Batroun are the only participants this year, as the second qualifying club, Al Anwar Al Jadid, opted not to take part.

Strong form, local support

Mhanna highlighted the club’s strong domestic form heading into the tournament, noting that Chabeb Batroun are currently leading the Lebanese league, having played 14 matches without a single loss.

“The preparations have been very good,” he said. “The team is in excellent condition under the supervision of coach William Al-Asmar, and their league performance reflects that.”

Despite the absence of major institutional backing, the club’s journey has been driven largely by community support. “There is support, including sponsors, but it’s mostly local,” Mhanna explained. “The people of Batroun, the city’s youth, and the club’s supporters are behind the team. It’s a community effort.”

Volleyball’s gradual comeback

Mhanna acknowledged that Lebanon’s absence from regional club competitions in recent years was largely due to financial constraints and the broader economic crisis. “For years, clubs simply didn’t have the means. Sponsorships were difficult, and conditions were very challenging.”

Today, however, he sees signs of recovery. “Volleyball in Lebanon is entering a promising phase,” he said. “We’re slowly putting Lebanon back on the Arab and West Asian sports map.”

He pointed to recent milestones, including the men’s national team’s participation in the Arab Championship in Bahrain, and the women’s national team winning the West Asia Championship earlier this year. “Now the clubs are returning to international competition. This is the first West Asia appearance for a Lebanese club in years, and it matters.”

As Chabeb Batroun prepare to step onto the regional stage, their participation marks more than a sporting challenge, it signals a cautious but determined return of Lebanese volleyball to international competition, driven by performance, persistence, and local belief.